My favorite parts were testimony by Kai Bamberg-Roth (age 7: “I spend almost as much time there (at the park) as I do at home. It's kind of my childhood,”), Marnie Quick's eloquent speaking on what it is like to grow up in the park and this neighborhood, and Mel Packer's rousing testimony on why the loss of a park and affordable housing in this community should be of such concern to people in every community. I love these people.

Here's the text of the final motion and conditions that were placed upon the approval:

RECOMMENDED MOTIONThat the Planning Commission of the City of Pittsburgh Recommends Approval to City Council ofZone Change Petition No. 783 to rezone 9.37 acres of property known as 5600-5704 Penn Avenue and Enright Parklet, from Residential Planned Unit Development District, and R3-M, Residential Three-Unit, Moderate Density District, to AP, Mixed-use Planned Unit Development; and that the Commission Approves the associated PLDP as filed by property owners Pennley Park South, Inc., and the City of Pittsburgh subject to the following condition:1. The Planning Commission shall not approve an application for a Final Land DevelopmentPlan or any other development prior to or simultaneous to the review and approval of arevised and complete Preliminary Land Development Plan, which shall include thefollowing:a. Summary of all public process with the surrounding impacted communities, andexplanation of how community input has influenced the development proposal;b. A public open space improvements plan that incorporates community input;c. A final circulation and site plan that considers north-south and east-west streetand pedestrian connection options across the site; andd. Design guidelines and standards for the entire site.2. All submissions designating street and site configuration shall at this time be consideredfor illustrative purposes only;3. Public open space within this AP Zoning District shall be designed to serve thecommunity as well as the residents and clientele of the future development; and4. The total area of public open space and public amenities shall be no less than the area ofEnright Park. If the City retains ownership of the park property, the open space shall bepresented to the Planning Commission with a maintenance and site improvement planfor integration of the park into the development.

It's time for East Liberty to take control of this ship and steer it in the right direction. PLEASE get involved and help us map a path forward. DON'T let a public park be sold to a private developer. This is a dangerous precedent for every park in this city.

Thanks for listening.

* My clarification to the City Paper post is that I would say I am pleased that the Planning Commission put some
conditions on the approval, (better than nothing) but I am reserving
judgement as to how effective they really can be. It's time for East
Liberty to drive its future. And its present.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

The City's Planning Commission is voting on the rezoning of the public park from a residential district to a commercial district on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 2 PM. This is the first step in the process to make the park part of the private development and to turn it into a retail street. The public hearing will be held at 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, First Floor Hearing Room.

Granting
such a change would allow the owner of Pennley Park South (known as Penn Plaza
Apartments) to use Enright Park as part of his redevelopment. Instead of being
filled with basketball games, playing children and picnicking families, under
the submitted plan, the park would be paved over and used as a traffic entry to
the new residential, retail and commercial development.

This is your
time to tell the City Planning Commission that the timetable for the rezoning
of the entire area including both the city park and the Pennley Park development
is unreasonably short and provides inadequate opportunity for meaningful
resident participation in a planning process. The developer has been planning this project for over a year; the community only came to know of it less than three weeks ago.

No decision regarding rezoning of
public land in the Pennley Park South and Enright Park area should take place until
the completion of a comprehensive planning process in which all affected
stakeholders have the opportunity to participate.

If you can PLEASE attend this hearing, Members of the public can give 3 minutes of testimony. Make the voices of East Liberty heard!

Sunday, October 11, 2015

It
was a gorgeous gorgeous day. Watching, I was amazed to see that, in
fact, every inch of the park was used over the course of the afternoon.
Kids ranged all over the place, from the playground to the unstructured
open space of the field. Baseball and catch were played in the field at
the end of Amber Street. Picnic blankets and chairs set up under the oak
at the end of Eva. Of course there was basketball and so much sidewalk
chalk. Late breaking football toss and tag on the basketball court.

It
wasn't just about the kids (although my photos are mostly about the
kids). Neighbors came out with their dogs to say hello and catch some
sun. Others just stopped by to say hello and see what we were up to.

But
if anyone ever wants to know why I love this neighborhood so much, and
the park that is the center of it, please look at these photos.

Neighbors within 150 feet of the park and the LG Realty property (aka
Penn Plaza) received notice of the zoning map application and hearing,
which included a Preliminary Land Development Plan (PLDP). A PLDP shows
the new street layout as proposed and begins to give some idea of how a
development will be organized. It does not show buildings at this time,
but it gives some indication because it shows where driveways will cut
across sidewalks (also known as curb cuts), etc.

So here is what we know. Here is the aerial view of the park and the privately owned property as they currently stand.

Enright Parklet and the LG Realty property. The red line denotes both
the existing property line and the razor-wire topped fence separating
the park from the private property.

Due to the fence (installed by LG Realty in the early 2000s), the only current access to the park is either from Eva Street, Amber Street, or South Saint Clair Street. South Saint Clair has effectively been a cul-de-sac since the mid-1960s, stopping at the park but with turns into the alleys to return to Friendship Avenue and Baum Boulevard. It's a quiet street with little traffic. Amber Street is also quiet, although a bit more traffic due to the connection to Negley via Eva.

Here is the proposed new plan of streets, as indicated in the PLDP. (Pardon the rough scaling - the aerial view doesn't completely align with the drawing we received, but you get the idea).

The proposed new plan of streets and development parcels, from the Preliminary Land Development Plan. The RED text is added by us.

Key points:

South Saint Clair Street is extended out to Penn Avenue. It looks like there are new driveways off of South Saint Clair to serve the new development site (phase 1).

Eva Street is extended to the new South Saint Clair Street and into the new development site (phase 1).

The addition of these street extensions effectively removes the park.

There is also access from Euclid Street in this plan.

The Phase 2 development site has access from Eva Street, South Negley, and Penn Avenue.

There is small parcel of land (designated by ???) that we aren't sure what it is for. Maybe a new set of swing sets?

We aren't sure where anyone is thinking of making new park or open space, but this plan drastically changes the character of a vibrant residential community that has been heavily invested as stewards of Enright Parklet. It's ironic to hear people talking of the park as a neglected place when the neglect has certainly not been from anyone who lives near it or uses it.

Friday, October 9, 2015

In light of all of the bad news about displacement in East Liberty, our neighborhood is pulling together. Again.

This weekend we are kicking off a regular community meet-up, called Sundays in the Park.

Sundays in the Park are a time for neighbors and friends, old and new, to get together for conversation, relaxation, and play in the park. Bring your own snack, and maybe a chair or a picnic blanket. Talk to your old friends and meet some new friends. Bring your children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews. Bring a game or an idea or nothing at all. But COME. Come and be part of the conversation about what is happening in our neighborhood, and what we can do as neighbors to make it a better place for EVERYONE.

Some Sundays there may be planned activities (still in the making), there will always be sidewalk chalk, balls, and games to play. If you have an idea or a specialty (Teach a dance class? Run a free-throw contest? Organize a chalk mural with kids?), please let us know! As plans are made, we will post a schedule here on the blog.

Join us every Sunday, starting at about 3 PM for Sundays in the Park.

Our neighborhood matters. Our residents matter.

We need to work together to make our voices heard about the rapid changes that are impacting everyone.

Weather-related cancellations will be posted on this website and via Twitter. But splashing in puddles and making snow angels are highly encouraged!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

The hearing notice for the rezoning of the park was posted today. This is the first step in the process to rezone the park from a residential district (with very limited uses permitted) to a mixed-use residential and commercial district (more uses permitted than in the residential district, including parking lots, stores, restaurants, etc.).

The official notice for the public hearing to rezone the park, as required by law.

The first hearing at Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 2 PM at the City's hearing room located at 200 Ross Street, Downtown.

We are working on setting up a community-wide meeting in advance of this hearing. We know that this issue will NOT be resolved in the first hearing, but hopefully a planning process will be established. We will try to post updates on the process and a schedule so people know what is happening.

Tonight we got a chance to talk to a group of high school boys who
come to Enright Parklet to play basketball once or twice a week. These
young men live with their mothers and siblings in transitional housing
in the neighborhood. The organizer of the group told us that Enright is
the only park in East Liberty that provides a safe environment for them.

Please don't let private development take this place away from them.

Help us to build a better community for them and everyone in East Liberty.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

We have just launched the petition to the City of Pittsburgh to Vote NO on the rezoning and sale of Enright Parklet to a private developer.

Letter to:

City of Pittsburgh, District 9Councilman Ricky Burgess

City of PittsburghMayor William Peduto

City of PittsburghCity Council

City of PittsburghPlanning Commission

Enright
Parklet is one of the only public green spaces in East Liberty. It is
heavily used and loved by all. It is our common ground, where children
play together and adults connect. If Enright Parklet can be sold, then
every park in the city is vulnerable.

Please vote NO on the
rezoning and sale of this valuable public asset to a private developer,
and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

It was announced on September 28, 2015, that the Mayor’s Office, Penn
Plaza Tenants' Council, and LG Realty had agreed to a deal that
provides some relief to over 200 households threatened with immediate
eviction. The tenants fought an excellent fight and we proudly stand
with of our friends and neighbors in Penn Plaza.

However, as part
of this deal, the City agreed to sell Enright Parklet to the developer,
who intends to transform it into a “pedestrian friendly” retail street,
with housing above. This deal harkens back to top-down
approach of 1960s urban renewal that the community has been working to
undo for many years, and removes precious public space from common
ownership.

What is Enright Park and Why Does it Matter?
Enright
Parklet is one of only a handful of public parks in East Liberty and is
by far the greenest and lushest park, lined with majestic oak trees
that date back to the 1920s and 30s when it was originally a tree lined residential street. It holds two of East Liberty's three public
basketball courts, as well as a playground and a modest spray park. A
remnant of the 1960s urban redevelopment of East Liberty, it has come to
be much beloved by residents of East Liberty and nearby Friendship and Garfield. In
recent years, an adjacent community garden,
sponsored by Whole Foods, has been developed to work with community
youth and provide fresh produce to local food pantries. In a
high-density community filled with apartments, Enright Parklet serves as
everyone's backyard, a place for barbecues, birthday parties, pick-up
basketball, and simply lounging under a tree with a good book.

If a public space can be sold without a community plan in our neighborhood, it can happen in your neighborhood.

The park is denoted by the large oak trees and basketball court; the smaller trees and open space are the property of LG Realty.

East Liberty can have both affordable housing AND public parks.
The
rights of the Penn Plaza tenants are established and will not be
impacted if the sale of the public park is stopped. Commitments to REAL
plans for affordable housing in East Liberty have been made and will be
honored. It is time for the larger community to save one of the few
remaining public parks in East Liberty and ensure that is remains a
public space for every resident, a true commons in our thriving
neighborhood.

The developer intends to fast-track this deal,
and hopes to have ownership of the park in early 2016. There is a
limited window of time to mobilize and save the park for everyone, and
to demand community involvement in planning for its future.

What You Can Do
PROTEST
the rezoning of the Park from a residential zoning district to a
mixed-use commercial district. This requires action and approval at both
Planning Commission and City Council. Make your voice heard by signing
this petition, writing to both Commission and Council, and by showing up
at public hearings.

STAND FIRM against the
sale of a public community asset to a private developer. The sale will
require action and approval by City Council and the Board of the Urban
Redevelopment Authority. Call and write your
councilperson to let them know that the sale of public parks for private
development is unacceptable. An on-line petition will be going live soon.

GET INVOLVED in planning parks and public space in East Liberty and beyond.

How to Stay in Touch
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @enrightpark
LIKE us on Facebook: Save Enright Parklet
TALK to us on our community blog: enrightpark.org
VISIT Enright Parklet, located at the intersection of Eva Street and Amber Street in East Liberty. Bring your basketball, your bike, your picnic basket, or a good book!

Friday, October 2, 2015

It has been quiet here on the blog for too long, and we are moving into emergency mode. It was announced this past Monday, September 28, 2015, that the Mayor's Office has agreed to deal with a private developer to pursue selling Enright Park to them as part of a negotiation to provide much needed relief to tenants of the Penn Plaza apartments.

The tenants' rights are now established and will not be impacted by what happens to the park. It is time for the community to mobilize to save one of the few remaining fully public parks in East Liberty from being sold to a developer, who intends to build a commercial "pedestrian-friendly" retail street in place of this beloved park.

Yet again, the residents of East Liberty were not consulted in this vision, which drastically impacts all of our quality of life. Yet again, top-down planning have thrown us into reactive modes, rather than working with the residents to form a vision of how their public places should be used.

Please watch this page for updates. The developer intends to fast-track this deal, and hopes to have ownership of the park in the first quarter of 2016. We have a limited window of time to mobilize and save the park.

We here at Enright Park are here to fight for affordable housing, to fight for public open space, and to fight for an inclusive approach to planning and development throughout the East End and beyond. We may not win every fight, but we intend to win a better East Liberty for EVERYONE, and to help set a new standard self-determination of our communities.

To join our mailing list for upcoming events, actions, and general information, please e-mail us at: enright.park@gmail.com. We will post of upcoming meetings, public hearings, and recommended actions that community members can take.

In the meantime, call or write your councilperson and the Mayor's Office to let them know that public parks are not for sale, and that healthy communities need both parks AND housing that is accessible to all.

About Enright Park

Enright Park Neighborhood Association is comprised of homeowners, renters, public housing residents, and landlords who live in close proximity to Enright Parklet in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood.

In recent years, we have seen a dramatic transformation of our community, which has resulted in the on-going displacement of our friends and neighbors. This displacement has disproportionately impacted people of color, seniors living on fixed incomes, low-income working families, and the many ways in which these groups intersect.

The Enright Park Neighborhood Association was established to advance the joint causes of affordable housing, public open space, and an inclusive approach to planning and development that will build and enhance a livable East Liberty for everyone in our community. We intend to win a better East Liberty for everyone, and to help set a new standard self-determination for our communities.

Please join us, and let us know how we can support and promote your voice too. For membership information, please complete the form here.

For more information, including media, please contact us at enright.park@gmail.com.